The early Jewish transmission of Psalm 16 : from psalm to messianic proof text in Luke-Acts

Author:

Johns, J. L.

Awarding Body:

University of Edinburgh

Current Institution:

University of Edinburgh

Date of Award:

2004

Availability of Full Text:

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Abstract:

This thesis seeks to address one question: What may be known about the early Jewish transmission of Psalm 16 and how may the early Jewish transmission of Psalm 16 help us understand its messianic usage in Acts 2:14-36 and 13:16-41? Chapter 1 provides an overview of Psalm 16’s journey from Hebrew poetry to messianic proof text. By examining the transmission of psalmody in Second Temple Judaism, the two-day relationship between prophecy and psalmody is seen as influencing the appropriation of Psalm 16. The Hebrew Bible shows the Psalms becoming part of the post-exilic practice of inner-biblical exegesis. Psalms are appropriated eschatologically within prophetic texts. In the extrabiblical literature of Second Temple Judaism, the Psalms are gradually seen to have a distinctive function as prophetic proof texts. Chapter 2 finds that Psalm 16'’ significant literary features confirm its sharing in ancient Syro-Palestinian poetic traditions. The poet of Psalm 16 uses traditional material, literary motifs, and stylistic techniques common to other Northwest Semitic languages. Psalm 16 appears to employ a variegated, heterogenous language reflecting an early stage of Hebrew as evidenced by its relatively dense cluster of Israelite Hebrew features. The form of Psalm 16 is that of a Vertrauenspsalm, “psalm of confidence,” - language of the psalmist intimately expresses confidence in YHWH’s provision, even in the case of death. Chapter 3 asserts that Psalm 16’s structure clearly supports its classification as a psalm of confidence and emphasizes its major theme of trust in YHWH. No textual, linguistic, formal or structural evidence suggests a composite Psalm. A working translation of Psalm 16 suggests that, for its readers, Psalm 16 sets up a tension which awaits resolution. Sourced in the claim of a Heilsorakel (to which we have no further access), and confirmed in ongoing communion with YHWH, the psalmist may affirm something which partly fits received views on human destiny but also transcends them.